How Much Do Funerals Cost?
These prices include services such as the funeral director’s fee, burial or cremation costs, medical certification fees and the cost of a minister or celebrant to carry out the service. These are the services that even the most basic funeral plans will cover. However, studies have shown that funeral costs are rising considerably year after year. Over the past nine years the price of an average funeral has risen by six per cent each year.
In 2000 the average cost of a funeral was around £1,500 to £2,000 but it has now risen to almost £6,000 in some parts of the UK. Funeral costs also depend on where you live. Depending on where you live, the difference can be as much as £2000. In London for example, the price of a funeral is almost double the national average.
But it is possible to have a meaningful funeral for a lot less. For example, you could have a ‘direct cremation’, which costs about £1,600 and if you were to have a service you could arrange this separately, even have it at home. You could even arrange the funeral yourself.
Funeral Costs
The funeral director’s fees are the most expensive part of a funeral, making up over 69% of the cost of a cremation funeral, and 53% of a burial funeral, bringing the average cost to around £2,411.
Funeral directors collect, store, prepare and deliver the body to the cemetery or crematorium. They also complete necessary documentation for cremation or burial and some will arrange a simple ceremony as part of their fee. They’ll also provide a coffin, hearse and usually a limousine.
The list of items add up: For example, the price of a coffin can be as little as £100 to as much as £10,000 so the funeral you choose can usually be budgeted according to your wishes.
If price is a concern, you should ask your local funeral director if they offer a simple funeral or a direct cremation.
What is a Direct Cremation’?
A direct cremation costs around £1,600. Several companies offer direct cremation for around £1,000, a good option if you are searching for cheap funeral plans. This price normally includes third party costs such as doctor’s certification and crematorium fees.
There’s usually no viewing or ceremony beforehand, or a limousine for the family and mourners. If you’d like the ashes returning to you, this can cost an extra £100. Collecting the body outside of normal working hours, or from a nursing home or residence, is about an extra £500. This brings the total cost of a direct cremation to £1,600.
Again, costs might vary depending on location. So, shop around and check whether the company offers a reasonable price for covering your area. A ceremony will have to be organised and paid for separately. However, there are a variety of low cost ways to have a ceremony, such as having it at home.
Whichever type of funeral you choose, costs can vary widely even in the same location so make sure you get quotes from more than one provider.
Optional Costs
There are many things that can make a big difference to the cost of a funeral too, from where you are in the country you are to which funeral director you use.
There are also many items and services that you can add though each item costs money and you could very easily end up adding much more than you were planning so here’s a breakdown of extras you might be considering with the average prices (sourced from the money advice service).
- Headstone/memorial plaque – £916
- Catering – £444
- Limousine – £319
- Venue hire – £397
- Flowers – £149
- Funeral notice – £85
- Obituary – £72
The list could go on to include many more, personalised wishes
More About Funeral Costs
There are many elements that come under the umbrella term ‘funeral costs’ including a ceremony and casket, burial, cremation, venue hire and legal. We will attempt to give a comprehensive breakdown of prices that you might want to think about in relation to your funeral plans.
Prepaid funerals are an effective way to ensure you and your family have peace of mind. They enable you to set aside money either in the form of a lump sum or monthly payments to put towards or fully cover your funeral costs, and what’s more, some of the cost is immune from inflation so will saved your loved ones money in the long run too.. So what are funeral plans, which different types are there to choose from, and which one is best for you?
For the most basic/cheap funeral plans you will be looking to pay around the £2000-£3000 mark. We have examined some of the leading funeral plan providers and here is a summary of the kind of things you can expect from funeral plans at the cheap end of the scale.
Basic Funeral Plan
- An official to carry out the funeral service and make all of the funeral arrangements or sometimes just a contribution towards one.
- A Hearse and pallbearers to deliver the funeral.
- Transfer of the deceased person to a suitable resting place, a 24 hour service.
- A simple coffin
- You may be able to visit the deceased in a chapel of rest.
- A service at a nearby location, restrictions may apply.
- Support and assistance to your family.
- Advice on the funeral, maybe professional bereavement support.
Cremation/burial fees. - A choice of payment plans
- Cremation/burial document and doctors’ fees
- Guarantee your money is held securely.
Remember, this is just a guide to what you can expect from a basic level funeral plan.
If you look at more more tailored prepaid funeral plans, you will see variations and options such as a higher quality of wood and lining for the coffin, a limousine or two to the service and a personalised route to wherever the service is held. A personalised prepaid funeral plan could cost around £3500-£4000. It’s a good idea to get a funeral plan quote online, to guide you through your decisions.
What NOT To Expect To Be Covered By Your Prepaid Funeral Costs.
- Embalming, burial plot, memorial, headstone, flowers, catering/wake etc
- Repatriation from outside mainland Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Isle of Man and Isle of Wight will not be covered.
- Removal of mechanisms such as pacemakers will need to be financed from elsewhere.
- If there are changes in regulations, tax, laws or generally accepted practice, which result in additional costs or affect the conduct of the funeral, these will be extra.
- Costs for conducting the funeral, burial or cremation on a weekend, at an unusual hour or public holiday.
- This list is not exhaustive, so be sure to read the small print when you get your quote online.
Additional costs and services should be discussed with your funeral plan provider. Some plans may limit what’s included in your funeral, such as your choice of funeral director, the type of coffin or funeral transport. The best funeral plan providers will also offer your loved ones support at a time when they need it most.
Simple Breakdown of Expected Funeral Costs
- Cremation £3,950 (ave)
- Burial £4,900 (ave)
- Inc: funeral director’s fee, burial/cremation costs, medical certification fees, cost of a minister or celebrant
- Coffin
- Hearse
- Limousine
- Direct Cremation £1,600(ave)
- Headstone/memorial plaque £916
- Catering £444
- Venue hire £397
- Flowers £149
- Funeral notice £85
- Obituary £72
Don’t forget these are average prices and vary by service and location.